One of the most influential electric bassists of all time--in either jazz or rock--Jaco Pastorius virtually redefined the instrument during the 1970s and '80s. Pastorius pioneered a dynamic, agile style that emphasized melodic invention over steady, rhythmic pulses, and brought the bass line to the forefront in all his ensembles. Though his career and output were cut tragically short by his death in 1987, his influence has been immeasurable.
THE ESSENTIAL JACO PASTORIUS is the perfect introduction to Pastorius's style. The two-disc set also serves as an overview of the bass wizard's diverse output, covering his solo releases, his tenure with Weather Report, and his dates as a session musician (including two stunning tracks from Joni Mitchell's HEJIRA). There's an avalanche of dazzling playing on this generous, superbly selected compilation; it gives a brilliant, comprehensive testament to a legendary musician.
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The Essential Jaco Pastorius collects tracks the innovative jazz bassist recorded during the '70s and '80s. Included here are cuts off Pastorius' two studio albums as well as some of the work he did with the seminal fusion outfit Weather Report. Also featured are recordings he made with other artists including Herbie Hancock and Joni Mitchell. As a two-disc anthology, this is a hard collection to pass up and certainly includes all of the most well-known of Pastorius' recordings, not the least of which are his 1976 take on Charlie Parker's "Donna Lee," Weather Report's "Birdland," and the Mitchell tune "Hejira." You also get such stellar tracks as the frenetic "River People" and the iconic "Punk Jazz" both from Weather Report's 1978 album Mr. Gone. As a well-rounded representation of Pastorius' unique genius during the high-point of his career, The Essential Jaco Pastorius is superb listen.